Bears’ defense gets to make a final statement vs. Packers

After coming into the season thinking big, but getting humbled in a 38-10 loss in Week 1 at Soldier Field, the season finale against the Packers at Lambeau Field gives the Bears’ defense a chance to show just how it’s come and just how real its second-half progress is.

Even after the bravado of early training camp had diminished amid injuries and absences, the Bears’ defense was ready to take on the world in the season opener against the Packers on Sept. 10. The suggestion of concern about chemistry issues was met with defiance.

“None. None,” defensive coordinator Alan Williams said at the time, “and here’s why: They’ve been developing, they’ve been forming. They’ve been intentional about their chemistry all the way through. So even though those guys have not been up and they’ve not been on the field together, in the classroom, through walkthroughs, off the field, in the weight room, in the locker room, they’re intentional about forming those bonds … about developing the defense.”

Three days later, the defense laid an egg in a 38-10 loss to the Packers. Before fans could barely enjoy the moment of seeing a Bears defense face a Packers offense without Aaron Rodgers at quarterback, Jordan Love was already looking like his predecessor on a good day.